Australia – Private Bewes returns home

Private Nathan Bewes returned home today to be met by his family, loved ones and mates from Brisbane based 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) in a solemn and dignified ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley.

The honour guard salutes as Private Nathan Bewes is carried to a waiting Australian C-130J Hercules during a moving ramp ceremony held at Al Minhad Air Base, United Arab Emirates.Source: Australian Department of Defence Click to enlarge

Chief of Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, and the Acting Chief of Army Major General Paul Symon AO salute the casket of Private Nathan Bewes as it is carried through the honour gaurd.Source: Australian Department of Defence Click to enlarge

An honour guard and bearer party was formed by 6RAR to receive and carry the casket from the C-17 Globemaster aircraft to his family.

Acting Chief of Army, Major General Paul Symon expressed his deepest sympathies to the family of Private Bewes.

„This ceremony pays the ultimate respect befitting a soldier who has fallen during military service, he is now back on home soil,“ said Major General Symon.

„Private Bewes was a capable soldier and valuable member of his Battalion, who was on his second tour to Afghanistan.

„In five years this young man packed a lot into his young life, he is an extraordinary symbol of the quality of the young soldiers we have today.

„The family of Private Bewes can be very proud of the achievements of this fine young soldier.

„The best tribute that the soldiers can give to Nathan is to keep focussed on operations and continue their good work because that is what soldiers do and the Army family will always be there for them.“

Minister for Defence, Senator The Hon. John Faulkner; Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and Member for Fadden, Stuart Robert MP representing the Shadow Minister for Defence, Senator The Hon. David Johnston; The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston; Acting Chief of Army, Major General Paul Symon, Commander 7th Brigade, Brigadier Paul McLachlan were in attendance.

Media Note: The family of Private Bewes request that media continue to observe their privacy during this difficult time.

Media Contact: Defence media liaison (02) 6127 1999

Press release Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, Australia